Sometimes the corn pollen or leaves can irritate the skin. You will probably need to experiment to see what works best for you. Our recommendations are listed below.
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- Light weight long pants (jeans get pretty heavy when they get wet). Nylon wind pants, cotton pants or long shorts with high socks work the best.
- Light weight long sleeve shirt is best.
- Sweatshirt or light jacket. It can be quite cool to downright cold out in the fields first thing in the morning!
- Rain gear. A poncho, rain suit, or at least a big heavy duty trash bag with slits cut out for your head and arms. The corn is extremely wet from dew first thing in morning. You would also need it in case of rain. You need something to keep you dry and warm!
- Old pair of high-top shoes. You will most likely discard the shoes at the end of the season. Work type boots are not recommended! They become too heavy when they get caked with mud. High-top shoes must be worn or ankle braces with low-top shoes.
- Extra pair/pairs of socks to change into if your feet get too wet and to help prevent blisters from forming. Many of our workers use duct tape on their heels (in addition to dry socks) to help prevent blisters.
- Handkerchief to keep the sun off of your face and neck as much as possible, or use to tie around your nose and mouth.
- SUNSCREEN AND BUG SPRAY. Be sure to apply sunscreen before you leave home in the morning and reapply it throughout the day! We don’t want anyone going home looking like a lobster!
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- Individual food cooler with plenty of healthy food to last you the whole day. Avoid sugary snacks and pop. Be sure to pack plenty of food. Write your first initial and last name on your cooler. Everyone needs their own cooler, no sharing. It doesn’t matter if you are best friends or if you are siblings! No exceptions!
- Individual ½ – 1 gallon water jug filled with water. Write your first initial and last name on your water jug. Everyone needs their own water jug, no sharing! There will always be extra water at each field. If you run out, just ask.
- Individual small water bottle filled with water to carry on your body as you walk up and down the corn rows. Many of our workers use a “Camelbak” to carry water with them at all times.
- Old gym bag, back pack or duffle bag to keep any items you bring with you and to have a place to put your sweatshirt, rain gear, etc when you take it off for the day.
- Ipod, MP3 player and cell phone, if desired. It’s best to keep these items in a zip-lock bag to protect from moisture. Then, put them in a SECURE pocket on your person. AILES DETASSELING IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST OR STOLEN ITEMS IN THE FIELD OR ON THE BUS. You are responsible for any items you bring to the field. We recommend that you wear a fanny pack to keep these items with you at all times. Buses/crews will not be delayed from leaving a field because a worker is looking for a lost/stolen electronic device. BRING THESE ITEMS AT YOUR OWN RISK!
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- GLOVES
- SAFETY GLASSES
- HAT WITH PROTECTIVE FACE NETTING
THESE ITEMS ARE REQUIRED TO BE WORN AT ALL TIMES IN THE CORNFIELD. WE WILL DISTRIBUTE THESE ITEMS TO EACH DETASSELER ON THEIR FIRST DAY OF WORK. IT IS A DETASSELER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO BRING THEIR GLOVES, HAT AND SAFETY GLASSES TO WORK EACH DAY!
* We will not be held liable for any personal items you bring to the field.
